You’ve just moved to a new town and need to find a new doctor. Or maybe you’re unhappy with your current doctor and are ready for a change. Either way, it’s important to choose a doctor you’re comfortable with and who meets your needs. After all, this is someone who will have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. But how do you go about finding the right doctor? Here are six things to look for in a new doctor.
1. Their Credentials
When finding a new doctor, the first thing you should always look for is their credentials. You want to make sure they have the proper education and experience to care for your health. You can usually find this information on their website or ask the office staff.
If you are looking for a specialist, you will want to make sure they are board-certified. This means they have taken and passed a rigorous exam in their specialty. You can search for board-certified doctors on the American Board of Medical Specialties website.
2. Their Reviews
While 67% of search engine clicks go to the top 5 results, the first result isn’t always the best. The same goes for doctors. Don’t just pick the first doctor you find in your search results. Take some time to read reviews from other patients. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view of the doctor.
You can find reviews on sites like Google, Healthgrades, and Zocdoc. When reading reviews, keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different. One person’s bad experience doesn’t mean the doctor is terrible. And a doctor with all positive reviews isn’t necessarily the best fit for you either.
3. The Services They Offer
Not all doctors are created equal. Some offer a wider range of services than others. When you are looking for a new doctor, make sure they offer the services that you need. For example, if you are looking for primary care doctors, you will want to make sure they provide preventive care, treat chronic conditions, and manage acute illnesses. You can usually find a list of the services a doctor offers on their website.
As a doctor, ensure you are constantly updating the information on your website. In fact, 62% of marketing companies recommend that you redesign it at least every 2-3 years to ensure it is current. Your website should also be easy to navigate and have all the information a potential patient might be looking for.
4. Their Location
One of the most important things to consider when looking for a new doctor is their location. You will want to make sure they are conveniently located so you can easily get to your appointments. If you have to drive an hour or more to see your doctor, you may be less likely to go to your appointments or follow through with treatment.
5. Bedside Manner
Your doctor’s bedside manner is important. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with them and that they treat you with respect. Pay attention to how they interact with you during your appointment. Do they rush through your visit or take the time to answer all of your questions?
6. Their Reputation and Key Message
A doctor’s reputation is important. You want to make sure they have a good relationship with the medical community and their patients. A good reputation also means they are ethical and uphold the standards of their profession.
You can learn about a doctor’s reputation by talking to other doctors, reading reviews, or checking their credentials. You can also lookup their key message, which can be defined as the most important things you and your client or organization want the target audience to hear, see, and understand about your brand or business.
You also want to make sure their key message aligns with your needs. For example, if you are looking for a doctor focused on preventive care, you will want to make sure that it is evident on their website and in their reviews.
While choosing a new doctor can be a daunting task, it is important to take your time and find the right fit for you. At the end of the day, you want to make sure you are comfortable with your doctor and that they can provide the services you need.